It is often said that the more things change the more they remain the same, and when it comes to the job search, it is true in many cases.

Consider this: Back in 1937 when famed author Napoleon Hill wrote his well-known book Think and Grow Rich, he dedicated a whole chapter to the how-to’s of job search: how to write a resume which he referred to as a ‘brief’, how to conduct research, network, volunteer, and select references.

It appears Hill was a resume writer and career coach back in his day, as he painstakingly laid out the basic tenets of what a resume should entail and what a successful job search campaign should look like. If you are looking for simple but effective strategies to boost your job search in 2019, Hill’s advice is as relevant today as they were in 1937. Here’s a synopsis of the chapter:

Conduct Research:

 “ Before applying for a position, do sufficient research in connection with the business to familiarize yourself thoroughly with that business, and indicate in your brief (resume) the knowledge you have acquired in this field. This will be impressive, as it will indicate that you have imagination, and a real interest in the position you seek.

You cannot begin to write your resume before you conduct research to find out the employer’s buying motivators (needs), and your value proposition (what you have to offer).

Don’t Rush the Process:

“This brief should be prepared as carefully as a lawyer would prepare the brief of a case to be tried in court. Remember another thing; neatness in the preparation of your brief will indicate that you are a painstaking person.”

It takes time to develop a resume with captivating content that tells your story. This is one process you don’t want to rush.

Enlist the Services of an Expert:

“Unless the applicant is experienced in the preparation of such briefs, an expert should be consulted, and his or her services enlisted for this purpose. Successful merchants employ men and women who understand the art and the psychology of advertising to present the merits of their merchandise. One who has personal services for sale should do the same.”

Laszlo Bock, former head of human resources at Google, said “A crisp, focused resume demonstrates an ability to synthesize, prioritize, and convey the most important information about you.” Not everyone is able to express themselves well on paper. Therefore, if you do not have the experience to write a crisp, focused resume, enlist the help of an expert.

Review the Job Posting Thoroughly

 “If you have had experience in connection with positions similar to the one you seek, describe it fully, [and] state names and addresses of former employers. Be sure to bring out clearly any special experience you may have had which would equip you to fill the position you seek.”

Review the job posting and select only the experiences that match the employer’s requirements. It is not necessary to include all your experience in your resume.

Be Specific

“Avoid application for a position without describing EXACTLY what particular position you seek. Never apply for ‘just a position.’ That indicates you lack specialized qualifications. State your qualifications for the particular position for which you apply. Give full details as to the reason you believe you are qualified for the particular position you seek.”

Apply for a specific position. A generic, one-size-fits-all resume will not land you an interview.

References

“Practically every business firm desires to know all about the previous records, antecedents, etc., of prospective employees who seek positions of responsibility. Attach to your brief photostatic copies of letters from former employers, teachers under whom you studied, and prominent people whose judgement may be relied upon.”

Back in 1937, it was customary to provide all of the above to prove that you are who you say you are. These days, you don’t need to, but ‘name-dropping’ (of “prominent people whose judgement may be relied upon”), still applies. If you know someone quite prominent and who knows you, by all means to use their name as a reference, but get their consent.

Resume Design

“I have helped to prepare briefs for clients which were so striking and out of the ordinary that they resulted in the employment of the applicant without a personal interview”.

Hill did not rely on templates to create his clients’ briefs. Instead, he customized them to reflect his clients’ brand! This does not mean you have to go over the top with the design, but a modern format with compelling content will help to set you apart.

Networking and Referral

“When possible, the applicant should endeavor to approach prospective employers through some mutual acquaintance. This method of approach is particularly advantageous in the case of those who seek executive connections…”.

Networking is not a dirty word. It is the best way to find a job, so learn how to do it effectively. Once people get to know who you are and what you can do, it’s easier for them to refer you to opportunities.

Volunteer Your Expertise

“Offer to go to work on probation. In the majority of instances if you are determined to have the position for which you apply, it will be most effective if you offer to work for a week, or a month, or for a sufficient length of time to enable your prospective employer to judge your value WITHOUT PAY. This may appear to be a radical suggestion, but experience has proved that it seldom fails to win at least a trial. If you are SURE OF YOUR QUALIFICATIONS, a trial is all you need.”

Not everyone will agree with this point. Some might not want to work for free because some employers use this practise to exploit job seekers. However, there are merits to this approach, and Hill set out the following parameters:

“Before you make the decision to go this route, make sure that your offer is based upon: (a) your confidence in your ability to fill the position, (b) Your confidence in your prospective employer’s decision to employ you after trial, (c) your DETERMINATION to have the position you seek, and (d) knowledge of your prospective employer’s business. ”

Do your due diligence and size up your situation before you opt for this route.

Tell Your Story and Sell Yourself

  “Successful salesmen groom themselves with care. They understand that first impressions are lasting. Your brief is your salesman. Give it a good suit of clothes, so it will stand out in bold contrast to anything your prospective employer ever saw, in the way of an application for a position. If the position you seek is worth having, it is worth going after with care. Moreover, if you sell yourself to an employer in a manner that impresses him with your individuality, you probably will receive more money for your services from the very start, than you would if you applied for employment in the usual conventional way.”

The above paragraph sums up the job search sales process quite well.

It’s Not the Most Qualified Who Gets the Job

We are all know situations where it was not the most qualified job candidate who got the job, but the one who was better prepared and able to market him or herself. As Hill said:

“Remember that it is not the lawyer who knows the most law, but the one who best prepares his case, who wins. If your ‘case’ is properly prepared and presented, your victory will have been more than half won at the outset.”

Resume and job search strategies haven’t changed that much in 80+ years. The challenge is if job candidates are committed to implementing these strategies to be successful. Share your comments below.

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About Me: Other than being the Chief Encouragement Officer at The Wright Career Solution, I am a certified career management coach and certified career development practitioner helping clients find satisfying careers and get hired FASTER! I specialize in career transition coaching, professional resume writing, interview coaching, and LinkedIn Profile development. Connect with me here on LinkedIn or on Twitter: @CareerTips2Go.